Book

Kinship, economics, and exchange in a Tongan village

University MicrofilmsAnn Arbor • Published In 1978 • Pages:

By: Morton, Keith Louis.

Abstract
This dissertation examines the relationship between ideals, conscious models, and actual behavioral patterns as a basis for attempting to understand how folk and scientific conceptualizations of social reality actually take place. Morton demonstrates how these principles operate through an intensive analysis of kinship reciprocity and forms of exchange (i.e., in terms of the flow of material goods and children by means of adoption). He concludes his thesis, however, by saying that 'Tongan behavior … is not predictable by knowledge of the conscious model of kinship reciprocity. Instead, the basic characteristic of exchange behavior is reliance upon members of one's family of orientation as a continuing unit for source sharing. The pattern of behavior also indicates that a balance flow of good exists between kin categories rather than the one-way flow stipulated by the conscious model' 9p. 120). In the process of explaining his thesis, the author also provides much valuable data on kinship, exchange transactions, adoption, geography, economic and socio-political characteristics of Tonga, and the economy in general. The material for this dissertation was gathered by the author in the village of Puke on the Tongatapu Island, from December 1970 to September 1971. Data pertinent to adoption was obtained from the larger village of Vaini.
Subjects
Theoretical orientation in research and its results
Composition of population
Diet
Gift giving
Production and supply
Income and demand
Exchange transactions
External trade
Saving and investment
Status, role, and prestige
Classes
Adoption
Kinship terminology
Kin relationships
Rule of descent
Kindreds and ramages
Lineages
Congregations
Religious denominations
culture
Tongans
HRAF PubDate
2006
Region
Oceania
Sub Region
Polynesia
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle; 1978
Field Date
1970-1971
Coverage Date
1970-1971
Coverage Place
Villages of Puke and Vaini, Island of Tongatapu, Tonga
Notes
Keith Louis Morton
UM73-07934
Includes bibliographical references (p. 124-127)
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Oregon, 1972
LCSH
Tongans